Friday Stream of Consciousness – 42

On Twitter and Facebook, I asked, “Why are so many people afraid of clowns?” The response was striking. Lots of people are. I get snakes, spiders, heights and public speaking. I don’t get clowns. Weird.

Speaking of clowns, Chad Johnson was rightfully released by the Dolphins. I’ve been trying to think of a case in sports where someone who is always in trouble suddenly pulls it together going forward. The Gospel teaches me it’s possible. Sadly, experience teaches me it’s also rare.

Any system without some accountability for ALL layers of leadership will have major break downs at some point.

The word “hate” is suffering the same cheapening “love” has over the years.

A world without language for real “hate” or real “love” will need the church as living grammar for the latter even more. I hope we, of all people, don’t cheapen real love or exhibit true hate.

It’s important to find ways to get the church to engage in the preaching between the Sundays. It’s a field of preaching that needs some exploration.

College football season is nearly upon us. I have Alabama and God’s team–the USC Trojans, in the championship. Who do you have? Fight on!

Having seen the new Bourne movie, Jeremy Renner did an admirable job. But, Matt Damon is still the dude.

I believe the next theological controversy in evangelicalism will be on heaven and hell. Unfortunately, I believe Rob Bell was more of a harbinger than last word provider. More and more preachers I know (especially under age 35) struggle to say there is a hell where souls will go for eternity and that heaven is much more than a social-utopian earth of sorts. Every Christian I know wants to see God’s Kingdom break out on earth. Unfortunately, much of what is called “Kingdom” today doesn’t mention or recognize the King’s Kingship much.

School is starting up Monday for the girls. I now have a 4th grader, a 3rd grader, and a pre-schooler. It’s sobering to think in less than ten years, my eldest daughter will be heading to college…and her sister a year later. They do grow up fast–and the speed accelerates as they grow older.

What’s on your mind this Friday morning?

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Dr. Tim Spivey is Lead Planter of New Vintage Church in San Diego, California. He is the author of numerous articles and one book, "Jesus: The Powerful Servant." A sought after speaker for events, Tim also serves as Adjunct Professor of Religion at Pepperdine University. Tim serves as a church consultant, and his writings are featured on ChurchLeaders.com, Church Executive magazine, Faith Village, Sermon Central, and Giving Rocket.